The Simple Flute: From A to Z

This book is a MUST HAVE book no matter where you’re at in playing flute. In a sense, it’s the “Flute Field Manual”, but so much more. It’s a gold mine of wisdom; wisdom that doesn’t get included in most books on playing the flute. Because it isn’t just the technicals. It’s about where our heads ought to be at when we’re playing. Simply put: Are we playing because we love the flute, or are we just doing this by-the-numbers like drill and ceremony?The sage—the author—encourages people. He doesn’t say, “This is the only way it can be done and you better do it that way or you’ll fail.” He encourages readers to explore and do what works. He uses the phrase, “If it works, then let’s do it!” His passionate love for the flute is what he teaches. And you can’t help but being inspired and motivated. Its alphabetical format makes finding answers easy and you’ll go back time and again to read it. I use a red pencil to mark teachings I have found especially necessary.I always take my flute with me whenever I travel and this book goes with me, too. There is, sadly, a wasteland of poorly-written books on playing the flute. But thankfully, we have this book which is very well the one we must have. Again, it’s a gold mine.

Brilliant book

So glad I bought this book after hearing about it from a video by Emmanuel Pahud. It's very well written with a touch of humor. I'm learning things that were never approached in my early lessons as a teenager. It can be read from any point, as it is written in alphabetical order by subject such as: intonation, fingerings, phrasing, Etc. There are also excerpts of music that illustrate the points.Highly recommend!

I have gone through about 20 flute books in my quest for inspiration and tips about this wonderful instrument. This one is the best by far because Debost LOVES FLUTES, and he loves to play the flute. He refers to the sound that comes out of the instrument (when played well) as a "sensual pleasure" for the player (and listeners). He thinks "No pain, no gain" is unrealistic, and that more comfort equals more pleasure. Good point! When it comes to the rules of fingering, he maintains that if it isn't the "correct" fingering but doesn't hurt the music, and feels better or makes it easier, one should go ahead and do it. The idea that sticks out most is that playing the flute should be fun and richly rewarding. The A-Z layout of the book is totally reader-friendly. One can look at the list of topics and easily find exactly what is desired. I love this book. :)

Wonderfully comprehensive book writtenclearly, interestingly and without pretention.The author has a definite perspective on the learningprocess and musicality but he provides an antidote toteachers who are highly specific about hand position andposture.

Encourages one to enjoy the flute in a casually written, pleasant way. Not as much an instruction manual as a reference manual. I read it to read it as well as to learn from it. Is good.

I found this book quite useful, but not as much as I had hoped.He has a few hobby horses that he spends a lot of time on, at the expense of some other topics.Some of his advice is quite controversial in the flute world. But it is useful to hear an alternate opinion.However mostly a useful book for any budding flute teacher who would like some alternate opinions.

I began taking lessons on the flute as an adult a few years ago. I have worked with two different teachers and have also found a lot of help online and through books. This book is so excellent. In particular, Debost communicates his strong and clear sense of how the body relates to producing the tone of the flute.

In every detail and advice Debost's enormous experiences are reflected with a ton of information, after reading a chapter the desire to practice and use all the information is a driving force evoked by his marvelous writing and explaining - a must for every flutist !!!

Many valuable insights here, from a vastly experienced teacher and player. The section on Hands helped me to find and correct a bad habit with my right thumb. My instrument is more stable and comfortable to play as a result.

Ottimo

Full, detailed explanations in alphabetical order covering all aspects of lute playing beyond the basics.

Für mich als studierter Flötist, der aber einen anderen Beruf ergriffen hat und nach 10 jähriger Pause das Instrument wiederentdeckt, bietet das Buch wertvolle Tips, die ich gerne sehr viel früher auch von meinen Lehrern gehört hätte. Das hätte mir manche Frustrationen erspart. Die Themen und Ausführungen motivieren mich dazu, weiterhin bei der Stange zu bleiben. Ich kann das Buch für alle empfehlen, die die ersten Schritte mit dem Lehrer bereits erfolgreich gegangen sind Es ist keinesfalls Ersatz für einen qualifizierten Lehrer, da sehr viel über Nachahmung erlernt wird und zunächst eine recht klare Klangvorstellung erworben werden muß.